But the Russian, who – for now at least – remains Arsene Wenger’s record signing at £15million, has fired a parting shot at the club by revealing he was being driven stir-crazy by being left on the bench last season.

‘The fact is I didn’t want to stay in England, this was clear since January,’ Arshavin told Sport Express.

Dull: Arshavin was forced to sit on the bench for the final part of his Emirates career (Picture: Getty)

‘I don’t regret anything, but I had to leave.

‘It was a punishment sat on the bench. To train even though you know you won’t play – it is psychologically difficult.

‘I nearly suffered depression, but I didn’t because I’m mentally strong. The monotony of life there was crushing me.’